Cat Mother and the All Night Newsboys were a genre-blending American band best remembered for their 1969 hit “Good Old Rock ‘n Roll.” Formed in New York City, the group merged rock, country, folk, and R&B into a unique sound. They are also known for their connection to guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, who produced their debut album. Though often labeled a one-hit wonder, Cat Mother left behind a small but influential catalog that still resonates with fans of late-’60s and early-’70s rock.
| Artist Name | Cat Mother and the All Night Newsboys |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1967, New York City, USA |
| Genres | Rock, Country Rock, Folk Rock, Psychedelic Rock |
| Years Active | 1967–1977 |
| Original Members | Roy Michaels, Bob Smith, Larry Packer, Charlie Chin, Michael Equine |
| Notable Additions | Jay Ungar, Paul Johnson, Charlie Prichard, Steve Davidson, Charlie Harcourt |
| Labels | Polydor Records |
| Top Hit | “Good Old Rock ‘n Roll” – #21 Billboard Hot 100 (1969) |
| Debut Album | The Street Giveth… And the Street Taketh Away (Produced by Jimi Hendrix) |
| Legacy | One-hit wonder; known for their unique sound and Hendrix connection |
Origins and Early Days
The band formed in 1967 in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, a vibrant hub for counterculture and musical experimentation. Founding members Roy Michaels (bass, vocals) and Bob Smith (keyboards, drums, vocals) were soon joined by Larry Packer (guitar, violin), Charlie Chin (guitar, vocals), and Michael Equine (drums, guitar).
They began performing at Café Wha?, a popular Greenwich Village venue known for launching artists like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Their success there led to a regular gig as the house band at the Electric Circus, a multimedia venue in the East Village. Their diverse musical influences and polished live shows quickly caught the attention of the New York underground scene.
Breakthrough: “Good Old Rock ‘n Roll”
In 1969, Cat Mother signed with Polydor Records, helped in part by their growing popularity and their connection with Michael Jeffery, Jimi Hendrix’s manager. Hendrix had become a fan of the band and agreed to produce their debut album, The Street Giveth… And the Street Taketh Away.
Released in 1969, the album featured the group’s only hit, “Good Old Rock ‘n Roll.” The track was a medley of 1950s rock and roll classics, including snippets from:
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“Sweet Little Sixteen”
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“Long Tall Sally”
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“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”
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“Blue Suede Shoes”
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“Party Doll”
This nostalgic throwback struck a chord with listeners, rising to #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing a place on the Top 50 Songs of the Summer of 1969. The song’s radio-friendly appeal and energetic delivery made it their most enduring release. It also earned them opening slots on several Jimi Hendrix Experience concerts, giving the band valuable exposure.
Musical Style and Influences
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Cat Mother defied easy categorization. While their biggest hit leaned into classic rock nostalgia, their broader catalog explored a range of genres:
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Country rock
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Folk
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Psychedelic rock
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R&B
Their sound mirrored the cultural shifts of the late 1960s—experimental but still grounded in melody and traditional roots music. This fluid style placed them alongside bands like The Byrds, The Band, and Moby Grape.
Transition and Second Album: Albion Do-Wah
Shortly after their chart success, Charlie Chin left the group. Seeking independence from Michael Jeffery, the band moved to San Francisco and eventually settled in Mendocino, California, a quieter coastal community known for its artist-friendly culture.
In 1970, they released their second album, Albion Do-Wah. The lineup now included:
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Jay Ungar (violin, mandolin, guitar, vocals)
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Paul Johnson (guitar)
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Guest vocalist Lyndon Lee Hardy
The album featured more folk and country influences, reflecting their rural West Coast lifestyle. While Albion Do-Wah didn’t generate a hit single, it showcased the band’s expanding musical horizons and strong songwriting.
Later Lineups and Final Albums
By the time of their self-titled third album, Cat Mother (1972), the lineup had changed again. The core trio of Michaels, Smith, and Equine was joined by Charlie Prichard (guitar) and Steve Davidson (drums, percussion). Prichard left soon after and was replaced by Charlie Harcourt, a British guitarist known for his work with Jackson Heights and Lindisfarne.
The band’s final studio album, Last Chance Dance, was released in 1973. As the title suggests, it marked the end of their recording career. The album included country-tinged tracks and reflected the more laid-back California lifestyle the group had embraced.
Though no new hits emerged, the band continued to tour and perform into the mid-1970s before officially disbanding in 1977.
Life After the Band
Following the group’s breakup, members went on to different paths:
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Roy Michaels continued performing and eventually moved to Thailand, where he lived until his death in 2008.
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Bob Smith remained musically active in California before passing away in 1991.
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Michael Equine remained involved in local music circles and studio projects.
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Larry Packer went on to play with artists like Sha Na Na, Hall & Oates, and Lou Reed.
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Jay Ungar, after his time with Cat Mother, gained fame for his fiddle composition “Ashokan Farewell,” used in Ken Burns’ The Civil War documentary.
Though the group did not achieve long-term commercial success, its members contributed meaningfully to the broader American roots music landscape.
Legacy
Cat Mother and the All Night Newsboys remain a fascinating footnote in rock history. Their fusion of genres, DIY spirit, and association with Jimi Hendrix have kept them in the memories of collectors and oldies music fans.
Their albums, especially The Street Giveth…, are considered cult classics. The group’s ability to weave nostalgic medleys with original songwriting made them stand out in a crowded late-’60s rock scene. They embodied the era’s spirit of experimentation while still honoring the rock ‘n roll roots they loved.
They may be remembered as a one-hit wonder, but their music reflects a band unafraid to explore and evolve.
Discography (Selected)
Albums
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The Street Giveth… And the Street Taketh Away (1969, Polydor)
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Albion Do-Wah (1970, Polydor)
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Cat Mother (1972, Polydor)
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Last Chance Dance (1973, Polydor)
Notable Singles
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“Good Old Rock ‘n Roll” (1969) – US Billboard Hot 100 #21